Digital Tipping, Shake to Pay Coming to Starbucks for iPhone Next Week

Paying with a smartphone is great, but what happens when you want to tip your server but don't have any cash on hand? That will no longer be a problem at Starbucks, as long as you have an iPhone.

Starbucks announced Tuesday that an update to the company's official iPhone app is on the way next week that will allow customers to shake their device to pay as well as digitally give a high-five to baristas.

Available Wednesday, March 19 for customers in the U.S., U.K. and Canada, users of the Starbucks app for iPhone can simply shake their device to bring the Starbucks Card barcode front and center, ready to pay at more than 7,000 company-owned locations.

The same app update will also enable the ability to tip baristas for good service right from the app, which the company says was one of the top suggestions on its MyStarbucksIdea.com website, where customers weigh in on potential future changes to the coffee maker's lineup.

“As more and more customers are using their phone to pay, they have also asked for a convenient and meaningful way to show their appreciation to store partners,” said Cliff Burrows, group president, U.S., Americas and Teavana.

Digital tipping will be available in three denominations: $0.50, $1.00 and $2.00, but the feature will be U.S. only for now. Starbucks also promises a more "streamlined design" with the latest update, which is expected to roll out to Android smartphone users later this year.